Container and a seal for a container

ABSTRACT

A single serving container for consumable substances comprising a tubular element wherein opposing internal wall portions at an end of the tubular element are adhered together in order to maintain the tube in a closed configuration, and are adapted to be separated in order to operate the tube into an open configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container and to a seal for a container and especially but not exclusively to a seal for a container adapted to hold a single serving of a consumable substance such as, for example, sugar for adding to a beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Single serving containers for holding consumable substances such as sugar for use in beverages in cafes and the like are well known.

A typical container is a small packet comprising two small rectangular sheets of paper glued together around their peripheries with sugar in the space provided therebetween. In order to access the sugar, the paper is torn. Containers of this type are subject to moisture damage because they are made of paper and require use of both hands in order to open them. Furthermore, a separate utensil is required to stir the beverage.

A combination container and stirrer has been suggested, for example in US patent application, publication no. US 2004/0076074 A1, which discloses a packet in the form of a plastic tube which has at least one end sealed with a cap or plug which may be removed in order to access the contents. The plastic tube may be used to stir a beverage. However, use of a plug or cap requires relatively complex manufacture and assembly, and use of a replaceable cap such as that disclosed in US 2004/0076074 A1 may lead to concerns regarding hygiene and/or tampering with the contents. Removal of the plug or cap also requires use of two hands, and the plug or cap may result in a choking hazard if it inadvertently falls into the beverage.

The present inventors have therefore discerned that there is a need for an improved or at least alternative container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal for a container, the seal comprising a first member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a first intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts;

a second member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a second intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts;

wherein the first attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the first attachment part of the second member portion and the second attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the second attachment part of the second member portion and wherein the seal is operable between a closed configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined smaller distance apart and an open configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined larger distance apart;

wherein each member portion is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction so that when the first and second attachment parts are forced towards each other, the member portions bend in opposite directions and thereby force apart the intermediate portions in order to change the configuration of the seal from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Preferably, in the closed configuration the intermediate regions are substantially in contact in order to provide a seal therebetween.

Preferably, in the closed configuration the intermediate regions are retained in contact by mutual adhesion.

The first and second intermediate regions may be retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by an adhesive.

The first and second intermediate regions are preferably retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by treatment of at least one of the member portions to cause the first and second intermediate regions to mutually adhere without use of an adhesive.

The first and second intermediate regions may be retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a light heat seal.

The first and second intermediate regions are preferably retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a pressure seal, such as a crimp seal.

The pressure seal may be formed without heating the intermediate regions.

The first and second member portions are preferably first and second portions of a single body. The first and second member portions are preferably opposed wall portions of a tubular element. The first attachment part of the first member portion is preferably attached to the first attachment part of the second member portion at a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion.

The second attachment part of the first member portion is preferably attached to the second attachment part of the second member portion by a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion.

The first member portion is preferably adapted to bend preferentially in one direction by virtue of having been formed as a curved portion.

Preferably, the first member portion is maintained in a substantially planar form when the seal is in its closed configuration.

The first member portion is preferably formed in curved form by extrusion.

The first member portion is preferably formed from a plastic.

The first member portion is preferably formed from polypropylene.

The second member portion is preferably adapted to bend preferentially in one direction by virtue of having been formed as a curved portion.

Preferably, the second member portion is maintained in a substantially planar form when the seal is in its closed configuration.

The second member portion is preferably formed in curved form by extrusion.

The second member portion is preferably formed from a plastic.

The second member portion is preferably formed from polypropylene.

Preferably the first and second member portions are formed parts of a tube.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single serving container for consumable products, the container comprising a region adapted to be opened in order to allow access to a consumable product contained therein wherein the region adapted to be opened comprises a seal in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the container is elongate.

Preferably, the container is tubular in form.

Preferably, the container is formed from a plastic.

Preferably, the container is formed from polypropylene.

Preferably, the container is at least partially formed by extrusion.

Preferably, the container is elongate.

Preferably, the container is at least 10 cm in length.

Preferably, the container is adapted to be used as a stirrer for stirring a liquid to which the contents of the container have been added.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is a generally cylindrical plastic tube at least one end of which has been operated upon to form a seal in according with a first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, in such an embodiment opposing walls of an end region of the tube have been forced together with sufficient pressure to cause them to mutually adhere so that the opposing end walls form the first and second member portions of the seal.

The container in such an embodiment may thus be formed from a single length of extruded tube so that the container is formed from a single element without additional parts, adhesives or the like.

In a variation of this embodiment an adhesive may be used to provide or enhance the mutual adherence of the opposing walls of the end region of the tube. In this case the adhesive should be a releasable adhesive so that the seal can be opened.

Preferably, the container comprises a seal at each end thereof.

Preferably the container is adapted to be used as a drinking straw when both seals are in their open configurations.

In an alternative embodiment, the tube may be made from paper. A seal at an end region may comprise two plates connected at respective first and second edges and the plates having respective intermediate regions which are relatively close together in a closed configuration of the seal. Each plate may be adapted to bend so that its intermediate region moves away from the intermediate region of the other plate when the edges of the plates are forced towards each other. Thus forcing the edges of the plates are forced towards each other can operate the seal from its closed configuration to its open configuration.

In this embodiment the central regions of the plates may be retained in contact with each other by use of a light or tacky adhesive.

The tube may be sealed, or further sealed, by adhering the walls of the tube to each other in the region of the plates.

In this embodiment forcing together the edges of the plates would force apart the middle regions of the plates and thus force apart the opposed adhering wall portions of the paper tube in order to operate the seal to its open configuration.

In a further embodiment, elongate members generally perpendicular to the axis of the tube may be substituted for the plates.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single serving container for consumable substances comprising a tubular element wherein opposing internal wall portions at an end of the tubular element are adhered together in order to maintain the tube in a closed configuration, and are adapted to be separated in order to operate the tube into an open configuration.

Preferably, the tube is formed of a plastic.

Preferably, the tube is formed of polypropylene.

Preferably, the internal wall portions adhere to each other by cohesion produced by forcing together the internal wall portions.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging a consumable product in a single serving container, the method comprising:

providing a tubular element portion with a receiving space therein;

inserting consumable product into the receiving space;

sealing a first region of the tubular element at a first end of the receiving space;

sealing a second region of the tubular element at a second end of the receiving space in order to contain the consumable product between the first and second regions.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second seals is formed by mutually adhering opposed internal walls of the corresponding end region.

Preferably, the first and second seals are both formed by mutually adhering opposed internal walls of the corresponding end region.

Preferably the step of inserting the consumable product into the receiving space is performed after the step of sealing the first end region.

Preferably, the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions so that they mutually but releasably adhere.

Preferably, the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions without heating the wall portions to a temperature at which they mutually fuse.

Preferably, the step of sealing at least one of the end regions by a seal formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises mutually adhering opposed axially extending regions of the internal wall portions to provide an axially extending sealed region.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed end region is adapted to be opened such that mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are further from the corresponding end of the container mutually separate before mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are closer to the corresponding end of the container.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 2 mm from the end of the container.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 2 mm from the end of the container and extends the entire radial width of the container.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 4 mm from the end of the container.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 4 mm from the end of the container and extends the entire radial width of the container.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region comprises a plurality of distinct seals.

Preferably, the or each axially extending sealed region comprises a plurality of distinct seals.

Preferably the seals of the plurality of distinct seals are adapted to be opened sequentially.

Preferably the seals of the plurality of distinct seals are adapted to be opened sequentially, such that seals of the plurality of distinct seals which are closer to the axial centre of the container are adapted to be opened before seals of said plurality of distinct seals which are further from the axial centre of the container.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together spaced apart regions of opposed internal wall portions.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together axially short regions of opposed internal wall portions.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions without cutting.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions by applying a pressure of the order of 250 MPa.

Preferably at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions by applying a pressure by means of a pair of opposed jaws.

Preferably at least one of the seals of the or each plurality of seals is formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions with sufficient force to cut at least one of the wall portions.

Preferably, the tubular element portion is formed of a one-piece plastic tube.

Preferably, the tubular element portion is formed of polopropylene.

Preferably, the tubular element portion is an extruded plastic tube.

Preferably, the tubular element portion is generally circular in cross section along at least a part of its length.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 25 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 20 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 17 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 4 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 7 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 10 cm.

Preferably, the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 17 cm and not less than 10 cm.

Preferably, at least one of the seals is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, both of the seals are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the container provided by the method is in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

Features described in relation to one or more aspect of the invention may be applicable to other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a container including a seal in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3( a) is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3( b) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 1, but showing internal detail hidden in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5( a) is a schematic cross sectional view through section A-A of FIG. 3( b), that is, through a part of the container close to a sealed end region;

FIG. 5( b) is a schematic cross sectional view through section B-B of FIG. 3( b), that is, through a sealed end region the container;

FIG. 5( c) is a schematic cross sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5( b) but showing the end region the container with the seal being operated between a closed, sealed, configuration and an open, unsealed, configuration;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, just prior to opening;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, during opening;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, after opening, dispensing its contents;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in use, just prior to opening, in the vicinity of a beverage into which the contents of the container are to be dispensed;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in use, dispensing its contents into a beverage;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1, being used to stir a beverage into which its contents have been dispensed;

FIGS. 12( a) to 12(c) illustrate schematically a first operation in manufacture of the container of FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIGS. 13( a) to 13(c) illustrate schematically a second operation in manufacture of the container of FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIGS. 14( a) to 14(c) illustrate schematically a third operation in manufacture of the container of FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIGS. 15( a) to 15(d) illustrate variations of an end region of a container;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of the container of FIG. 16, showing some internal detail;

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross sectional view on XX-XX of FIG. 16, illustrating elements of a seal in a closed configuration;

FIG. 21 is a schematic end view of the container of FIG. 16, showing some internal detail and illustrating elements of a seal in an open configuration;

FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a schematic end view of the container of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 26 is a schematic end view of the container of FIG. 22 in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, an embodiment of a container, generally designated 1, for a single serving portion of a consumable product is generally in the form of a plastic tube sealed at both ends. Container 1 comprises a tubular central part 10 which extends most of the length of the container, and has end parts 20, 20′ which are sealed to retain a consumable product such as sugar 15 in a receiving space 16 defined by the tubular central part 10 (see, in particular, FIG. 3B).

In a preferred embodiment, the container 1 is generally symmetrical about its axial centre so that the end parts 20, 20′ are similar or identical in structure. Consequently, only one end part 20 will be described in detail, and it will be appreciated that the other end part 20′ corresponds.

The end part 20 comprises a portion of the plastic tube in which opposed walls of the tube are brought together and adhered in order to seal the container 1. The end part 20 comprises a cut tube end 21 which, in this embodiment, provides a seal between opposed internal wall portions of the tube, as will be described in due course. The end part 20 further comprises first to fourth crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25, respectively, which also comprise parts at which opposed wall portions of the plastic tube are adhered together in order to create a seal. Between the end part 20 and the tubular central part 10, which in a preferred embodiment has generally circular cross-section, there is provided a transitional region 26 which, broadly speaking, represents a region in which the cross-sectional shape of the tube changes from being generally circular (at the tubular central part 10) to being generally flattened (at the end part 20).

As best shown in FIGS. 3( b) and 5(a), the transitional part has a top edge 27 and a bottom edge 28 which represent regions of a small radius of curvature compared to the tubular central part and the rest of the transitional region 26. As shown in FIGS. 3( b) and 5(b) the end part 20 has a top edge 29 and a bottom edge 30. The top and bottom edges 29, 30 are well defined and may be regarded as folds which define the boundaries between opposed side wall regions 31, 32 of the plastic tube. As best seen in FIG. 5( b), when the container is closed, that is with the end region 20 in a sealed or closed configuration, the opposed wall side regions 31, 32 of the plastic tube are substantially in contact. In FIG. 5( b), for illustrative purposes, a gap 33 is shown between the opposed walls 31, 32 of the tube, but it will be appreciated that in this embodiment this gap, if any, will be extremely small in the regions between the crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25 and will be non-existent at the locations of the crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25.

The crimp seals will be described in more detail in due course, but for the time being it should suffice to explain that these are regions where sufficient pressure has been applied to opposed sides of the tube, over a small axial distance of the tube, to force the opposed side walls together sufficiently hard that they mutually adhere (or cohere) due only to the pressure, without application of adhesive, solvent, or substantial heat. This has been found to provide a level of mutual adhesion which allows easy separation of the side walls by hand, but which presents a very small likelihood of accidental separation of the opposed side walls. A convenient, easily openable, but reasonably secure seal can therefore be provided without use of adhesives.

FIG. 5( a) is a cross-sectional view through the transitional region 26 of the container close to the end part 20. It will be appreciated that at equilibrium the tube from which the container 1 is formed will be generally circular in cross-section, but in the transitional region 26 the cross-section is somewhat flattened by proximity to the sealed end part 20. The transitional region 26 therefore applies a small bias force which tends to force the opposed side walls 31, 32 apart. However, the mutual adherence of the opposed side walls is sufficiently strong to easily withstand this bias force under normal circumstances.

When it is desired to open the container 1 a user can apply a pinching action using a finger and thumb (see for example FIGS. 6 to 10) in order to force the top and bottom edges 27, 28 of the transitional region 26 and the top and bottom edges 29, 30 of the end part 20 towards each other. The force so applied is indicated by the arrows A in FIG. 5( c). Such an application of force results in the opposed wall portions 31, 32 being forced apart (as indicated by the arrows B in FIG. 5( c)) since the force is sufficient to break the mutual adhesion provided by the first to fourth crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25. This results in provision of a space 34 between the opposed wall portions 31, 32 of the tube and thus represents opening of the container or forcing the end region from a close configuration to an open configuration.

It will be appreciated that each of the first and second opposed wall portions is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction, that is, away from the other of the wall portions 31, 32. In this embodiment the direction of preferential bending is provided by the inherent nature of the opposed wall portions 31, 32 themselves, since they were formed (typically by thermoforming) as generally semi-cylindrical regions of a tube and have a tendency to revert towards the shape in which they were formed. The structure of the container 1 also assists in providing directions of preferential bending for the opposed wall portions 31, 32 since, as described above, the bias force provided by the transitional region assists in providing a tendency for the wall portions 31, 32 to bend away from each other, and helps prevent them from bending in the opposite direction.

In use, therefore, the most effective way of opening the container 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is to apply a pinching force to a part of the transitional region 26 which is close to the end part 20. This results in sequential breaking of the crimp seals with the crimp seal 25 which is closes to the transitional region being opened first and the third, second and first crimp seals 24, 23, 22, respectively, opening thereafter. Finally, the cut end 21 which also provides a seal between opposed wall portions 31, 32 of the tube opens thus providing a fully opened container.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 the contents of the container, such as sugar 15, may then be poured from the cavity 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 the opening operation will typically be performed close to a drinking vessel 43 containing a beverage 44 into which it is desired to add the consumable substance (such as sugar 15). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the container 10 may then be used to stir the beverage in order to effect mixing or dissolving of the dispensed substance into the liquid.

As discussed above, the end region 20 of the container comprises a cut end 21 and a number of crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25, which together provide light mutual adherence of the opposed wall portions 31, 32 of the end part 20.

Manufacture of a container is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 12( a) to 14(c) in which FIGS. 12( a) to 12(c) illustrate formation of an end cut, and associated seal, FIGS. 13( a) to 13(c) illustrate formation of a first crimp seal 22 and FIGS. 14( a) to 14(c) illustrate formation of a second crimp seal 23.

As shown in FIGS. 12( a) to 12(c) a pair of opposed jaws 50, 51 cut a tube to separate a short length of tube 5 (partially shown), which is being formed into a container of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11. The tube 5 may be formed from any suitable plastic, but extruded polypropylene, such as used to make drinking straws, has been found to be particularly suitable. The jaws 50, 51 are spaced apart, and the tube 5 placed between them, as shown in FIG. 12( a). The jaws 50, 51 are then forced together, as shown in FIG. 12( b) forcing opposed walls of the tube together with sufficient force to cut the tube. The jaws 50, 51 are then moved apart, as shown in FIG. 12( c).

It has been found that by using a suitable shape of jaw, the end cut 21 results in the opposing side walls of the tube being adhered together at the cut end of the tube, so that a light seal is formed, as shown in FIG. 12( c). In order to provide such a seal, the jaws are preferably directly opposed so that they cut the tube 5 by compressing the side walls together, rather than, for example, a shearing or scissor-like action (although a shearing or scissor-like action can provide a suitable seal under some circumstances). Of course variations to the above operations are possible, for example a die cutting type of operation, in which the tube is cut between a single cutting element and a relatively flat opposed element, could be used. In one embodiment an end cut can be effectively made by using a hand tool, such as a pair of wire cutters (which is similar in overall form to a pair of pliers, but which has jaws with opposed cutting edges). Experiment and order of magnitude calculation indicates that this corresponds to a force of approximately 1000 Newtons over a jaw contact area approximately 0.5 mm by 10 mm, corresponding to a pressure of approximately 2×10⁸ Newtons per m² or 200 MPa being suitable for forming an end of a container.

FIGS. 13( a) to 13(c) illustrate schematically creation of a first crimp seal 22. The crimp seal may be formed, as illustrated, by the same pair of opposed jaws 50, 51 as formed the cut end 21. The jaws 50, 51 are spaced apart, as shown in FIG. 13( a), and the tube 5 moved relative to the jaws (compared to the operation of FIGS. 12( a) to 12(c)) so that the jaws can operate on a part of the tube close to, but spaced slightly from the end of the tube. The jaws 50, 51 are then forced together, as shown in FIG. 13( b) forcing opposed walls of the tube together with sufficient force to cause them to mutually adhere, but not so as to cut the tube. The jaws 50, 51 are then moved apart, as shown in FIG. 13( c).

Again, it is desirable to use jaws which are directly opposed rather than adapted to cut in a shearing motion, and it is desirable to use jaws which are not overly sharp since the intention is to apply a pressure sufficiently high to cause the opposed walls of the tube to mutually adhere, but without cutting through the walls of the tube. In one embodiment an appropriate crimp seal can be effectively made by hand, by using a pair of wire cutters, but moderating the amount of force applied manually in order to avoid cutting the walls of the tube. Experiment and order of magnitude calculations indicate that a pressure of approximately 250 Newtons over a jaw area of approximately 0.5 mm by 10 mm, corresponding to a pressure of approximately 5×10⁷ Newtons per m² or 50 MPa, is appropriate for creating each crimp seal.

FIGS. 14( a) to 14(c) illustrate creation of a second crimp seal 23 by the jaws 50, 51 and it will be appreciated that the second crimp seal may be made in a similar manner to the first. That is the plastic tube is advanced 1 mm or so and the pressure applied by the jaws in order to cause a narrow band of material on each side wall to mutually adhere. Of course, it will be appreciated that any number of additional crimp seals may be provided, if desired. It will further be appreciated that the size of the jaws and force to be applied may be varied as appropriate to the dimensions, composition and characteristics of the plastic tube 5.

Of course it will be appreciated that many variations are possible. For example, several crimp seals and, if desired, also the end cut/seal, could be formed in a single operation by using suitably shaped tools (for example with several pairs of opposed jaw parts).

Mechanised cutting operations are well advanced in various commercial fields. For example die cutting, and in particular kiss cutting can be used to cut adhesive paper labels on a backing sheet, without cutting the backing sheet. The cutting and crimping operations described above in relation to the present invention may therefore be readily performed commercially by straightforward adaptation of die cutting methods known per se.

It will also be appreciated that many variations to the end part of the described embodiment are possible. By way of example, FIGS. 15( a) to 15(d) show alternative forms of end part. FIG. 15( a) shows an end part 120 with an end cut 121 and first and second straight crimp seals 122, 123. FIG. 15( b) shows an end region 130 with a cut end 131 and first to seventh crimp seals 132 to 138, respectively. FIG. 15( c) shows an end region 140 and first to fourth curved crimp seals 142 to 145, respectively. FIG. 15( d) shows an end region 150 with a cut end 151 and a light heat seal 152 which causes the opposed side walls of the tube to mutually lightly adhere, but does not use a temperature or duration that allows the opposed side walls of the tube to mutually fuse, which would prevent the described operation of the container.

In use, in order to manufacture a container with a product therein, it is preferred that a length of tube be cut and sealed at one end, that the product be inserted, and that the second end of the container then be sealed.

It will be appreciated that in the described preferred embodiment the first and second opposed wall portions of the tube are examples of first and second member portions and the top and bottom edges 29, 30 effectively act as hinges which connect the opposed wall portions and are thus examples of first and second attachment parts of each of the wall portions.

FIGS. 16 to 21 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a container, generally designated 201, in which a tube 205 is made of paper and has end regions 220, 220′ of which only one 220 will be described in detail.

The tube 205 includes a tubular central part 210 and a transitional part 226 between the central tubular part 210 and the end region 220. The end region includes a tube end 221 which is formed by a narrow strip of each end wall being adhered together to seal the container 201. Thus, the container 201 may be regarded as looking similar to a simple paper tube with a flat portion at each end where opposed walls of the tube are adhered together in order to close the tube. However, unlike a simple paper tube the end part 220 is provided with a pair of thin plastic plates 231, 232 which fit between opposed internal walls 233, 234 of the end region 220 of the container 201. The plates 231, 232 are mutually connected by connections in the form of hinge means 235, 236 along their top and bottom edges.

The plates 231, 232 may be mutually connected by any suitable type of arrangement, for example the connections may be provided by hinge means in the form of regions of small radius of curvature and or fold lines if the plastic plates 231, 232 are both formed from a single tubular section. As a further example, and as illustrated schematically in FIG. 20, the connections may be provided by hinge means in the form of a suitable flexible adhesive if the plastic plates 231, 232 are formed separately. In a further variation the two plates may be form from a single semicylindrical element folded in half along an axially extending fold line, and in this case the axially extending fold line would form one connection between the plates and another connection could be provided by securing the appropriate edges of the plates by any suitable means (for example by use of adhesive, solvent or heat welding, etc).

The intermediate, generally central, portions of the plates are arranged to be close together, and in the illustrated embodiment to be effectively in contact and to mutually adhere. The mutual adherence may be by means of a crimp seal as described above or, as illustrated schematically in this embodiment, by means of a light adhesive 237. The plates may be secured in position in the paper tube 205 by a suitable adhesive (that is with the outward facing surfaces of the plates secured in an appropriate position to the inner surfaces of the walls of the tube.

As best illustrated in FIG. 20 in the illustrated embodiment, in its normal configuration that is with the sealed ends in a closed configuration, the plates 231, 232 of container 201 are substantially parallel and closely spaced apart or in contact (although a small gap is shown for clarity in FIG. 20). As shown in FIG. 19, the end 221 of the paper tube 205 remains sealed by means of the mutually adhered parts of the opposed internal walls of the tube.

However, it will be appreciated that although the plates may provide a seal by virtue of their mutual contact, this is not necessary to proper functioning of the container 201 since the adhered opposed internal walls 233, 234 of the end region 220 of the container 201 provide an effectively seal. It will be appreciated that in variations a seal may be provided by the plates (or their equivalents) and/or by mutual adherence of the opposed internal walls, and that although opposed intermediate regions of the plates should be relatively close together when the container is in its closed configuration, it is not necessary that they be in mutual contact.

The plates 231, 232 are adapted to bend preferentially in opposed directions, for example by having been formed by thermosetting in an arcuate shape and being retained in the mutually parallel shape shown in FIG. 21 by the mechanical force of the adhesive 237 (or by crimp sealing). In order to operate the container from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the end region 220 may be pinched, in a similar manner to pinching of the end region 20 of the container 1. This causes the plates 231, 232 to bend in opposite directions to the configuration schematically illustrated in FIG. 21. This causes the adhered paper walls of the end part 221 to be forced apart providing a gap 238 through which the contents of the container may be dispensed.

A further alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 26. In this embodiment generally designated 301 a container is made from a paper tube 305 and has a central portion 310 for containing a product to be consumed. The container 301 may bear advertising material 306 (as may the containers of the other described embodiments) and, in this embodiment is adapted to be opened at only one end 320 and is provided with an indicator 319 in the form of an arrow indicating the end from which the contents are to be dispensed. As best illustrated in FIG. 25, which shows the container in a closed configuration, instead of internal plates this embodiment includes external elongate members 331, 332 which are attached to the outside of opposed wall portions 333, 334 of the container by a strong adhesive. The opposed wall portions 333, 334 are mutually attached by a light adhesive. The members 331, 332 are connected by top and bottom regions 335, 336 and are adapted to bend in opposing directions in the regions 335, 336. Thus, in order to open the container, that is to operate the seal from a closed configuration to an opened configuration, the top and bottom regions 335, 336 are forced together, as illustrated in FIG. 26 which forces the elongate members 331, 332 apart at intermediate regions thereof. As the intermediate regions 331, 332 are more strongly bonded to the walls 333, 334 of the container than the walls of the container are bonded to each other, when the members 331, 332 are forced apart this also forces apart the walls 333 providing an opening 338 through which the contents of the container may be dispensed.

The preferred embodiments thus provide a container for a consumable product which can be conveniently opened with one hand. This is generally more convenient than requiring use of both hands, but may be of particular value when a user has only one hand free to manipulate the container, such as when it is desired to add the product to a beverage that is being carried in the user's other hand.

The currently particularly preferred embodiment 1 is easy to manufacture, with each container being formed from a length of plastic tube and requiring no additional parts or adhesive. Additionally this embodiment can be used to stir a beverage, or with both ends opened can be used as a drinking straw. The container is attractive and simple in shape (and does not require an axial seam or overlap, or a seal around its entire periphery as do some known containers) and is easy and intuitive to use. The container is also compact, making it easy to package and store large numbers for commercial use. Once opened the container cannot be easily resealed, so the seal may also be regarded as acting as a security seal. The container may be made from a recyclable plastic.

Although one particular commercial embodiment is as a container for sugar, for use in cafes, there are many other potential uses. For example, containers could be used for instant coffee or other powdered or granular beverage products adapted to be added to a liquid. Such containers could also be used for pharmaceutical substances, such as powdered cold and flu remedies, for confectionery such as sherbet, for condiments such as salt, pepper, tomato sauce or mustard, for spices etc. An embodiment for dispensing salt and pepper could beneficially have the container open into a chamber, provided at the end of the container, that has one or more small holes in the chamber wall in order to allow the contents to be sprinkled, rather than merely deposited.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A seal for a container, the seal comprising: a first member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a first intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts; a second member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a second intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts; wherein the first attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the first attachment part of the second member portion and the second attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the second attachment part of the second member portion and wherein the seal is operable between a closed configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined smaller distance apart and an open configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined larger distance apart; wherein each member portion is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction so that when the first and second attachment parts are forced towards each other, the member portions bend in opposite directions and thereby force apart the intermediate portions in order to change the configuration of the seal from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
 2. A seal as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the closed configuration the intermediate regions are retained in contact by mutual adhesion in order to provide a seal therebetween. 3-4. (canceled)
 5. A seal as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first and second intermediate regions are retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by treatment of at least one of the member portions to cause the first and second intermediate regions to mutually adhere without use of an adhesive.
 6. A seal as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first and second intermediate regions are retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a pressure seal, such as a crimp seal.
 7. A seal as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first and second intermediate regions are retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a light heat seal. 8-9. (canceled)
 10. A seal as claimed in claim 45 wherein the first and second member portions are opposed wall portions of a tubular element, wherein the first attachment part of the first member portion is attached to the first attachment part of the second member portion at a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion; and wherein the second attachment part of the first member portion is attached to the second attachment part of the second member portion by a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion.
 11. A seal as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least one of the first member portion and the second member portion is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction by virtue of having been formed as a curved portion, which is maintained in a substantially planar form when the seal is in its closed configuration.
 12. A seal as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least one of the first member portion and the second member portion is formed in curved form by extrusion from a plastic.
 13. A single serving container for consumable products, the container comprising a region adapted to be opened in order to allow access to a consumable product contained therein, wherein the region adapted to be opened comprises a seal in accordance with claim
 45. 14. A container as claimed in claim 13 wherein the container is elongate, tubular in form and formed from a plastic.
 15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the container is at least 7 cm in length and is adapted to be used as a stirrer for stirring a liquid to which the contents of the container have been added.
 16. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the container is a generally cylindrical plastic tube at least one end of which has been operated upon to form the seal, wherein opposing walls of an end region of the tube have been forced together with sufficient pressure to cause them to mutually adhere so that the opposing end walls form the first and second member portions of the seal.
 17. A container as claimed in claim 16 wherein the container is formed from a single length of extruded tube and is formed from a single element without additional parts, adhesives or the like. 18-20. (canceled)
 21. A single serving container for consumable substances comprising a tubular element wherein opposing internal wall portions at an end of the tubular element are adhered together in order to maintain the tube in a closed configuration, and are adapted to be separated in order to operate the tube into an open configuration.
 22. A container as claimed in claim 21 wherein the internal wall portions adhere to each other by cohesion produced by forcing together the internal wall portions.
 23. A container as claimed in claim 21 wherein the container is in accordance with claim
 13. 24. A method of packaging a consumable product in a single serving container, the method comprising: providing a tubular element portion with a receiving space therein; inserting consumable product into the receiving space; sealing a first region of the tubular element at a first end of the receiving space; sealing a second region of the tubular element at a second end of the receiving space in order to contain the consumable product between the first and second regions.
 25. A method according to claim 24 wherein at least one of the first and second seals is formed by mutually adhering opposed internal walls of the corresponding end region.
 26. (canceled)
 27. A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions so that they mutually but releasably adhere.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions without heating the wall portions to a temperature at which they mutually fuse.
 29. A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of sealing at least one of the end regions by a seal formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises mutually adhering opposed axially extending regions of the internal wall portions to provide an axially extending sealed region adapted to be opened such that mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are further from the corresponding end of the container mutually separate before mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are closer to the corresponding end of the container.
 30. (canceled)
 31. A method according to claim 29 wherein the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 4 mm from the end of the container and extends the entire transverse width of the container.
 32. A method according to claim 29 wherein the or each axially extending sealed region comprises a plurality of distinct seals adapted to be opened sequentially.
 33. (canceled)
 34. A method according to claim 32 wherein the seals of the plurality of distinct seals are adapted to be opened sequentially, such that seals of the plurality of distinct seals which are closer to the axial centre of the container are opened before seals of said plurality of distinct seals which are further from the axial centre of the container.
 35. A method according claim 32 wherein at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together axially short regions of opposed internal wall portions.
 36. A method according to claim 32 wherein at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions without cutting.
 37. A method according to claim 36 wherein at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions by applying a pressure of the order of 250 MPa.
 38. A method according to claim 32 wherein at least one of the seals of the or each plurality of seals is formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions with sufficient force to cut at least one of the wall portions.
 39. A method according to claim 32 wherein the tubular element portion is an extruded plastic tube and the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 17 cm and not less than 7 cm.
 40. (canceled)
 41. (canceled)
 42. A method according to claim 24 wherein at least one of the seals is in accordance with claim
 1. 43. (canceled)
 44. A method according to claim 24 wherein the container provided by the method is in accordance claim
 45. 45. A seal as claimed in claim 6, wherein the seal has a lateral direction extending between, and intersecting the first and second attachment parts, and has an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction and the seal comprises a plurality of seal parts, each axially short compared to the seal, the seal parts being spaced apart in the axial direction, said plurality of seal parts configured so that in use forcing apart the intermediate portions in order to change the configuration of the seal from the closed configuration to the open configuration results in sequential opening of the plurality of seal parts of the seal. 